Definitions for "Protein skimmer"
This chemical filter, also called a foam fractionator, sends many small bubbles through a column of water to separate dissolved organic compounds from the water. They come in three varieties, venturi, counter-current, and co-current. They are only effective in salt water. They may be placed in the tank, hung on the side, or placed in a sump.
Also called a foam fractionator, sends many small bubbles through a column of water to separate dissolved organic compounds from the water in a marine tank. The air bubbles generate "foam", which contains organic impurities and which is skimmed off to a collection vessel and discarded.
A protein skimmer is perhaps the most important piece of hardware for the salt water tank. It is a filter used to remove organic impurities from the water. Water is sent through a fractionating column where many tiny air bubbles are pushed through it. The air bubbles generate "foam", which actually consists of organic impurities. The "foam" is channeled out of the device and is kept in a collection cup until it can be discarded. There are three main classes of skimmers: counter current, co-current and venturi.
a piece of filtration equipment
a wonderful filtration/export device, and an excellent safety net